Best coffee at Disney Springs? Our first visit to Gideon’s Bakehouse

As we strolled through Disney Springs on a quiet Wednesday afternoon, still buzzing from a day at Animal Kingdom, I suddenly remembered a café recommendation I had seen online: Gideon’s Bakehouse. A quick inquiry at a nearby candy shop led us to the infamous bakery, where we found a line stretching outside the doors.

Surprisingly, the wait was short compared to how busy Gideon’s Bakehouse usually gets. Typically, the line is so long they use a virtual queue system, where guests check in and return at their scheduled time. We lucked out with only a 15-minute wait before stepping inside.

A gothic, whimsical atmosphere

Walking into Gideon’s Bakehouse felt like stepping into a storybook—one with a dark and quirky charm. The dim lighting, moody décor, and eerie artwork reminded me of an Edward Gorey, Tim Burton, or Ruby Gloom aesthetic. It was the kind of place that felt like an experience rather than just a bakery.

The aroma of rich chocolate

The scent inside was intoxicatingly sweet, dominated by rich chocolate and freshly baked goods. The menu offered a varied selection of decadent treats, but we decided to keep it simple: one cookie and one iced latte.

A cookie for chocolate lovers

We chose their most popular item—the Original Chocolate Chip Cookie—which, according to the New York Times, is one of the best chocolate chip cookies in the United States. At first glance, it was massive, dense, and generously loaded with chocolate chips.

However, as someone who prefers a balanced cookie, I quickly realized this wasn’t my type. The first bite was an instant chocolate explosion—rich, intense, and overwhelmingly sweet. It’s a dream for serious chocolate lovers, but for me, it was a bit much. In hindsight, I should have picked something lighter, like the Cookies & Cream Cookie.

The real winner: the iced latte

If the cookie wasn’t for me, the iced latte more than made up for it.

It was smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced—not too sweet, not too bitter. We savoured it slowly, even having leftovers the next day. If you visit Gideon’s Bakehouse, this is what I’d recommend without hesitation.

Is Gideon’s Bakehouse worth the wait?

Overall, Gideon’s Bakehouse is a cool spot to visit, especially if you’re into decadent desserts and a unique atmosphere. The coffee alone is worth stopping for.

Would I wait in an hour-long line? Probably not. If the queue is long, I’d say skip it and head to Joffrey’s Coffee, which is just down the path and usually empty.

If we ever return, maybe we’ll try the red velvet cake slice (which is also huge), but for now, I’ll stick to that iced latte.

Key takeaways:

• Best for: Chocolate lovers and those who enjoy unique café atmospheres.
• Must-try: The iced latte—rich, smooth, and perfectly balanced.
• Skip if: You’re not a fan of overwhelming chocolate or don’t want to wait in a long line.
• Pro tip: If the line is too long, Joffrey’s Coffee is a great alternative nearby.

Would you wait in line for one of these famous cookies? Let me know in the comments!